The first major release is the Special Edition of Mobile Suit Gundam: Seed Freedom. This new edition of the movie will surely revitalize the film, which previously hit theaters in Japan during the earlier half of 2024. The Special Edition has been expanded and split into two parts: the first part is expected to show from the 20th of September to the 3rd of October, while the second part will be from the 1st to the 14th of November.

Director Mitsuo Fukuda has suggested that this version will contain new sequences and changes to some scenes, as he intended to make this the “final” version of the movie. There is the promise of new material, so those who watched the earlier version of the performance can watch this one. Additionally, an epilogue was recorded just for this release.

Although this Special Edition is first set to be released in Japan only, it is expected that, as with any part of the Gundam franchise, it will eventually reach the international market.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom – A VR Experience

A roller coaster, Viking longship, and a crazed lion are not types of virtual reality experiences one would typically expect to find in today’s market, yet these are all presented in Silver Phantom, or at least they will be when it is released later this year.

In a bold move, the franchise is also venturing into the world of virtual reality with Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom. This new project, which is expected to be launched on October 4th, 2024, will be available on Virtual Reality platforms including Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3.

Unlike a conventional motion picture, Silver Phantom is an explicitly VR movie, which places viewers into the context of the movie and transforms them into the heroes; in other words, Silver Phantom combines both watching a movie and participating in a game. Directed by Kenichi Suzuki, the movie has involved the team of creators who participated in the creation of various Gundam projects, but this work is an attempt to step further in the framework of Gundam’s world while staying loyal to its roots.

The story centers on a mercenary team named Argent Kiel, which is involved in fights on both sides, the Earth Federation and Zeon. Themes of betrayal, survival, and the gray moral landscape of war are executed here and enclosed in the well-developed universe known to any fan of Gundam.

Building on the foundation of Mobile Suit Gundam and continuing to create more avenues for storytelling, Seed Freedom Special Edition and Silver Phantom are releases that offer something new and enjoyable for any fan of the series. From a simple pervasive narrative to VR, 2024 looks to be a significant year for the Gundam universe.

Because these are official projects, for anyone who wants to know more or follow these updates, it is encouraged to heed Gundam official announcements and news. Thanks to the sustained maturation of the franchise, such releases are certain to strengthen Gundam’s position as a basic staple of anime fandom.

Source: NETFLIX